This week is Social Work Week and Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) is celebrating the social workers across our Trust.
Social workers aim to help improve people’s lives, particularly those who are vulnerable or need protection from harm.
They recognise the wider issues affecting people’s lives, such as trauma, discrimination and poverty, and work with them to identify their needs, strengths and goals, and help them make changes and informed choices about their own lives.
Sasha Hickey, is one of 156 social workers who work across EPUT, supporting people with mental health needs both in the community and on our inpatient wards.
Sasha has worked for the Gables Specialist Mental Health Team in Braintree since 2020 after joining as a social work student on the Think Ahead Scheme – a two-year fully funded training programme which combines academic learning with on-the-job experience.
Prior to completing the scheme, Sasha was a university student studying politics but had a change of heart and decided she wanted to support people in the community.
She said: “I really enjoy my job as a social worker and think it’s great that you can study and also get on the job experience through the Think Ahead scheme, as it allowed me to get the qualification while getting a good understanding of the role.
“My role as a care coordinator in the community involves me using a holistic approach to support people with complex mental health issues and ensure they receive the best possible care and support when they need it most.
“I feel that the role of social work is imperative to community mental health teams and feel privileged to be able to share my social perspective alongside other colleagues on the team.”
Find out more about working at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust on the Vacancies page,